Color selector



I. C. BOWMAN COLOR SELECTOR Nov. 4, 1958 Filed Aug. 23, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvroa. C flow/77m? Nov. 4, 195s LC. BOWMAN 2,858,624

' COLOR SELECTOR Filed Aug. 25, 1955 2 Sheets-SheetZ United States Patent COLOR SELECTOR Irwin C. Bowman, Glenview, Ill. Application August 23, 1955, Serial No. 529,971

1 Claim. (Cl. 35--28.3)

The invention relates to color selectors or comparators for displaying a wide range and gradations of color-combinations for visual comparison in selecting combinations of colors, tints and shades.

One object of the invention is to provide a color selector or comparator which includes a single chart with a wide range of colored panels, and a series of interchangeable masks with windows for displaying color combinations according to varying color schemes or laws.

Another object of the invention is to provide a color selector which comprises a chart of colors and a series of masks which are interchangeable and reversible on the chart for displaying a wide range of different combinations of colors.

Other objects will appear from the detail description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a base having a color chart thereon in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, with a mask on the base;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the color chart and a mask having windows for selecting complementary colors;

Fig. 4 is a similar view with a mask having windows for selecting a triad of colors;

Fig. 5 is a similar view with a mask with windows for selecting split complementary colors;

Fig. 6 is a similar view with a mask for selecting a complement of near colors;

Fig. 7 is a similar view with a mask having windows for selecting another complement of near colors;

Fig. 8 is a similar view with a mask having windows for displaying analogous colors; and

Fig. 9 is a similar view with a mask having windows for selecting a combination of colors of the same family.

The invention includes generally a base or back 11 of any suitable material which is provided on its top face with a chart of colors and comprises an annular series of. segmental zones, each including a radial series of panels of colors, tints, shades, and a series of masks which fit over, are adapted to be interchangeably placed on the chart, and provided with differentially located windows for exposing different combinations of colors, tints and shades in predetermined panels of different zones on the chart.

The chart exemplifying the invention is of polygonal contour, for example, hexagonal, and is divided by radial lines 15 and 16 into an annular series of twelve segmental zones. The lines 15 extend inwardly from the corners between the polygonal sides of the chart and the lines 16 extend inwardly from the centers of said sides to provide zones which are substantially of the contour of a right-angled 60-30 triangle. The lines 15 and 16 are alternated .circumferentially to dispose the contiguous zones in pairs with lines 15 forming the abutting rightangled radial sides between one pair of contiguous zones the positions of the masks on the chart.

series of trapezoidal panels a, b, c, d, e and 1, whichhave circumferential or inner and outer sides parallel with sides 17 of the chart and extend circumferentially between adjacent radial lines 15 and 16.

Each series of panels may be used to display a family or related group of different colors and their derivatives or gradations or several zones may be used for groups of similar colors with different gradations or for split basic colors and gradations. These panels are difierentially exposed by the windows in the masks for displaying different color-combinations from the chart according to the different locations of the windows on the charts and The masks include, for example, a series of seven masks designated 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, respectively, these masks being hexagonal in contour conforming substantially to the hexagonal contour of the chart. A hexagonal rib 12 on the base 11 conforms to the sides of the mask and the base and exemplifies means on the base adapted to spot each mask in annular symmetrical positions 60 apart on the base 11 for predetermined positions of the windows in the mask in relation to the panels in the segmental zones of the color chart.

' The masks are provided with windows of trapezoidal contour conforming to series of panels which are to be selectively exposed, and are positioned to overlie panels which have corresponding radial positions in the segmental zones when the masks are disposed in symmetrical annular positions around the chart. Each mask fits within the rib 12 in six annular positions on the chart so that each window is adapted to register with or expose corresponding radial panels in each of six or alternate zones of the color chart and when its face is reversed and its opposite face is on the chart, the windows will be disposed to display panels in the other six alternate zones of the chart. Preferably both faces of the charts are black or dark in color for contrast with the displayed colors on the chart.

The zones on the chart have numerical designations 13 for identifying their positions relatively to the masks in their selectively annular positions on the zones of the chart. For example, the mask 40 has three windows for exposing panels 1, d and b of three colors in one zone of the chart and windows for simultaneously exposing ponels a and d in a diametrically opposite zone of the chart. Mask 41 has windows for simultaneously exposing panels 1, c and b in one zone, a panel d and a panel 2 in two different zones of the chart. Mask 42 has windows for simultaneously exposing panels 1, d and b in one zone and panels d in two other zones. Mask 43 has windows for exposing panels e, c and a in one zone and panels b and e in a nearly opposite zone of the chart. Mask 44 has openings for exposing panels e, c and a in one zone and panels e and b in an angularly opposite zone of the chart. Mask 45 has windows for exposing panels a, b and d in one zone and panels e and f in adjacent zones. Mask 46 has windows for simultaneously exposing the entire series of panels in a single zone.

symmetrical positions 60 apart on the chart and when.

the face of the mask is reversed on the chart, can be Patented Nov. 4, 1958 spotted into six annularly disposed-alternate zones. The placement of the masks in said predetermined positions is facilitated by registry of the conforming edges of the masks with the inner sides of rib-12 on-the'base 11* which functions as means for spotting the masks circumferentially and radially on the chart.

The colors displayed on the chart follow the colors of the spectrum, and by way of example, the zones may include a group of tints, shades'and tones of the following colors, viz: zone 21, red; zone 22, redorange; zone 23, orange; zone 24, yellow orange; zone 25, yellow; zone 26, yellow green; zone 27, green; zone 23, blue green; zone 29, blue; zone 30, blue purple; zone 31, purple; zone 32, red purple. These color-panels lend themselves forthe selection of a wide range of combinations of complementary colors; analogous colors; and monotone colors.

The selector will be used as follows: When the mask 40. is placed on the chart as shown in Fig. 3 with the examples of colors described, the windows in said mask will expose or display three redtones or colors 011 panels 1, d and b in zone 21 and two green tones in panels a and d of zone 27.

Complementary colors from the different groups or families of color in zones 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 may be displayed in combination by spotting mask 46 so its windows will overlie and expose panels 1, d and b in said zones respectively, and simultaneously expose the panels a and a in zones 29, 31, 21, 23 and 25, respectively. In this manner said mask can be selectively placed on the chart to display six different combinations of color on the panels of the chart. The mask 40 when reversed on the chart to impose its opposite face on the chart as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, will position the windows to expose three tones of orange on panels 1, d and b in zone 23 and two zones of blue-green on panels a and d in zone 28. While reversed, mask 40 may be selectively placed to expose panels 1, d and b in zones 24, 26, 28, 3d and 32 and panels a and d in zones 28, 30, 32, 22 and 24 respectively, for displaying other or different complementary color combinations from the other six zones of the chart.

When mask 31 is imposed on the chart as shown in Fig. 4, the windows will simultaneously expose three tones tion three tones of red on panels 1, c and b in zone 21, one tone of yellow on panel at in zone 25 and a tone of blue on panel e in zone 29. Other triad combinations may be displayed 'by placement of said mask so its windows will simultaneously expose panels 1, c and b in zones 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31 respectively, paneld in zones 27, 22, 31, 21 and 23, and panel e in zones 27, 29, 31, Hand 23 respectively. When mask 41 is reversed on the face of the chart, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4, the windows will simultaneously expose three tones of red-orange on panels f c and b of zone 22, one tone of yellow-green on panel e in Zone 26 and one tone of blue-purple on panel .4 in zone 36 With said mask so reversed the mask may also be spotted so its windows will simultaneously expose three-panels f, c and b in zones 24, 2 5, 23, 30 and 32, and panel e in zones 28, 3b, 32, 22 and 24 for different triad combinations of color.

When the mask d2 is imposed on the chart as shown in Pig. 5, the windows in said mask will expose three tones of red on panels d and b in zone 21', a panel d of yellow-green in zone 26 and panel a of blue-green in zone 23 for visual selection of split complementary colors from said zones. Similar exposures of three color combina tions from different groups or families ofcolor on the chart may be made by spotting its windows to simultaneously overlie and expose panels 3, c and b in zones 23, 25, 27, 29 and 37., panel at in zones 28, 3t), 32; 22 and panel a in zones 3 s, 32, 22; 2d and 26, respectively. Inthis manner mask tit-will selectively display sixdifferent three-color combinations from the zones on the chart. When mask 42 is reversed on thechart to superpose its opposite face on the-chart as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 5, the windows will be positioned to expose panels 1, d and b of red-orange in zone 22, panel d of green in zone 27 and panel d of blue in zone 29 to display dilferent three-color combinations. Three tones of red, one tone of green and one tone of blue will then be displayed. When the faces of said mask are reversed, the mask may also be placed on the chart so its windows will simultaneously expose panels 1, d and b in zones 24, 26, 28, 3t? and 32, panel d in zones 29, 31, 21, 23 and respectively and panel d in zones 31, 21, 23, 25 and 27 respectively, for displaying differentsplit complementary color combinations in the group of said zones. In this manner mask 42 will display color combinations from the other six zones of the chart.

When mask 43 is imposed on the chart as shown in Pig. 6, the windows in said mask will expose panels a, c and e of red-orange in zone 22' and'panels e and c of blue in zone 27 for visual selection of near complementary colors from said zones. Exposures of other near complementary color combinations from the different groups orfamilies of color in the zones may be y made by spotting mask 43. so its windows will'overlie and expose panels a, c and e in zones 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32,

and panels e and b in zonees 29, 31, 21,23 and 25 respectively. in this manner mask 43 will selectively display sixdifferent combinations of color. Mask 43 when reversed on the chart to impose its opposite face on the chart as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 6 will expose panels a, c, and e of red in zone 21 onpanels e and b of blue-green in zone 28 of the chart for different complementary color combinations. With the faces of the mask so reversed, the mask may also be placed'on the chart so its windows will simultaneously expose panels a, c and e in zones 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31, and panels e and b in zones 30, 32, 22, 24 and 26, respectively, for displaying.

different complementary color combinations from the group in said zones.

When mask 44 is imposed on the chart as shown in Fig. 7, the windows in said mask will expose in combination three tones of red-orange panels 2, c and a. in zone 22, and two tones of blue on panels :2 and b in zone 29. Other complemental combinations may be displayed by placement of said mask so its, windows will simultaneously-expose panels e, c and ainzones 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32, and panels 2 and b in zones 31, 21, 23, 27and 29 respectively. When mask 44 is reversed on the face of the chart, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 7, the windows will simultaneously expose three tones of red on panels e, c and a in zone 21, andtwo tones of blue on panels 2 and b in zone 26. With said mask so reversed the mask 44 may also be spotted so its windows will simultaneously expose three panels e, c and a in zones 23, 25., 27, 29 and 31, and:panels e and b in zones 28,

30, 32, 22 and 24, respectively, for different combinations of complemental colors.

When mask 45 is imposed. on the chart as shown in. Fig. 9, the windows in said mask will expose 1n combination three tones of red-orange on panels a, b and d in zone 22, a tone of red-orange on panel 2 in zone 21 and a tint of orange on panel 1 in Zone 32., Other combinations may be displayed by placement of said maskj soits windows'will simultaneously expose panels, a, b and d in zones 24, 26, 28,30. and-31, panel ,e in. zones 23, 25,, 27, 29 and31, and panel 7 in zones-22, 24, 26, 28

and 30'respectively. When mask 45 is reversed on the face of the chart, as indicatedby dotted lines in Fig. 8,

the windows will simultaneously expose. three tones of red-orange'on panels a; b and d of zone 21, a different tone of red onpanel ein zone 22 and one tone of orange on panel in zone 23. With saidmask, so reversed it may alsov be spotted. soits :windows will simultaneously expose three panels a, b and d inzones 23, 25, 27, 29. and 31, panel e in zones 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32, and a panel 1 in zones 25, 27, 29, 31 and 21 respectively, for

different combinations of complemental colors.

When mask 46 is imposed on the chart as shown in Fig. 9, the windows in said mask will expose all the tones or gradations of red on the entire series of panels in zone 21. Other colors on the panels in a radial series may be displayed by placement of said mask so its win dows will simultaneously expose the panels in zones 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 respectively. When mask 46 is reversed on the face of the chart, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 9, the windows will simultaneously expose the series of panels of red-orange in zone 22. With said mask so reversed, the mark may also be spotted so its windows will simultaneously expose the series of panels in zones 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32, respectively for difierent combinations of monotone colors.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A color selector for displaying selected colors in harmonious combinations, said selector comprising a flat sheet-like base member of hexagonal equi-lateral equiangular configuration, said base member bearing on one face thereof a field of colors, said field being divided into twelve contiguous segments, each segment being in the form of a right angle trianglethe hypotenuse of which extends radially from the exact center of the hexagonal base member to the juncture between a pair of adjacent hexagon sides, each segment being divided into a series of at least four stripes of equal width with each stripe extending parallel to the peripheral hexagon edge which forms one boundary of the segment, the stripes of each segment being of equal width, the stripes of three pairs of adjacent segments extending in end-to- 6 end axial alignment in respective pairs, the stripes of three other pairs of adjacent segments extending in endto-end relationship in respective pairs at angles of 120 each, each stripe thus being in the form of a trapezoid of the 90, 60, variety, the stripes of each segment presenting diflferent gradations of a base solar spectrum color, the base color thus represented by each segment being difierent from the base color represented by each other segment, said one face of said base member being provided with a hexagonal rib in the peripheral regions thereof enclosing and closely bounding said field of colors, and a plurality of masks adapted to overlie said field of colors interchangeably, said masks each being of hexagonal configuration and conformable in size to the size of said field of colors so that when the masks are in position over said field of colors individually, they are releasably retained in position by said hexagonal rib, each mask being formed with a plurality of window openings therethrough with each openingconforming in shape to the shape of a stripe on the base member with which the opening is adapted to registerwhen the mask is in operative position within the confines of said rib with either face of the mask in contact with said base member, the positional arrangement of the window openings of the various masks difiei'ing from one another, each window opening, when in register with a given stripe, exposing substantially the entire area of the stripe.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,041,765 Fors Oct. 22, 1912 1,593,113 Winsche July 20, 1926 1,762,036 Steedle June 3, 1930 2,196,397 McDonald Apr. 9, 1940 2,201,888 Deutsch May 21, 1940 2,629,185 Mulrane 'Feb. 24, 1953 2,665,503 Miller Jan. 12. 1954 

